Abstract: An improved process of curing resin-bonded refractory brick lining of a ladle within a housing by heating the brick in air at an effective temperature to produce resin vapors and transferring the vapors from the ladle comprising transferring the vapors at a temperature above the condensation temperature of the transferred vapors to an auxiliary burner to effect combustion of the transferred vapors to produce non-toxic gases. The process provides an efficacious and environmentally sound treatment of resin-bonded refractory bricks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alkaline (basic), refractory ceramic hollow item.

Abstract: A melting liner for an induction melting furnace includes an integral foot portion for locating a lip portion of the melting liner in a convenient position for pouring molten metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a colloidal refractory system for an electric arc furnace or another pyrometallurgical converter having a hearth, a shell, and a roof. The colloidal silica refractory includes alumina having a range of about 55 percent through about 90 percent by weight, silicon carbide having a range of about 2.5 percent through about 30 percent by weight, silica having a range of about 2 percent through about 20 percent by weight, and carbon having a range of about 0.1 percent through about 4 percent by weight. An aqueous colloidal silica binder provides the silica. The colloidal refractory system has high-temperature strength and resists the attack from slag and off-gases.

Abstract: A base of a metallurgical vessel having a direct-current arc device whose cathode projects into the vessel and in whose fire-resistant lining on the base at least one anode is arranged, one end of which, passing through the vessel wall, touches metallic melt located in the vessel, and the other end of which can be connected to cooling fluid supply sources and is attached in an electrically insulated manner to the vessel wall via holding elements. A sleeve is provided which does not conduct electric current, sheaths that part of the anode which projects into the metallurgical vessel and, in the process of forming an outlet channel, is arranged at a distance sufficiently far away from the anode that low-melting-point metals, mainly lead, can flow out of the vessel without being impeded.

Abstract: In the continuous casting of molten metal, the invention describes a refractory article for reducing deposition of inclusions on a surface contacting the stream of molten metal. The article comprises a first composition and a second composition on at least a portion of the contacting surface. The second composition includes a resin-bonded refractory composition comprising a refractory aggregate and a reactive metal. The resin-bonded refractory composition reduces deposition of inclusions relative to standard carbon-bonded or castable refractories. The second composition is particularly effective as a nose of a stopper rod or a liner for a nozzle, shroud or slide gate plate.

Abstract: An unburned carbon-containing refractory suitable for lining a molten metal container, which can prevent deformation of the outer steel shell, improve the life of the container, suppress reduction in molten steel temperature, and minimize energy losses without sacrificing the life of the wear lining. A molten metal container capable of reducing energy losses and having stable durability is also provided. The unburned carbon-containing refractory contains a refractory aggregate and 30% by weight or less of a carbon raw material containing at least graphite, wherein the carbon content X (% by weight) and the thermal conductivity &lgr;(W/m° C.) of the refractory satisfy the relationship: &lgr;≦0.8X+7, and the refractory contains 20 parts by weight or more of a refractory aggregate having an apparent porosity of 10% or smaller and a greater size than 1 mm per 100 parts by weight of the total of the refractory aggregate and the carbon raw material.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling the cooling rate of a metallic melt in the production of a semi-solid slurry billet for use in a casting process. The apparatus comprises a thermal jacket including symmetrical halves, with each half having a rounded heat transfer surface extending between a pair of longitudinal edges. An actuator mechanism engages the heat transfer surfaces into intimate contact with a vessel containing the metallic melt to effectuate conductive heat transfer between the vessel and the thermal jacket, with the pairs of longitudinal edges of each halve being disposed in a generally opposite, spaced relationship. The thermal jacket includes a plurality of passageways adapted to carry cooling air for extracting heat from the metallic melt, and a plurality of electric heating elements for adding heat to the metallic melt. The cooling rate of the metallic melt is controlled within a range of about 0.

Abstract: The invention includes an article and method for creating an erosion-resistant surface in a trough adapted to receive molten metal. The article includes a trough having a working lining and a pre-cast shape anchored at an erosion zone. The working lining and the precast shape define the interior volume of the trough. The precast shape can be anchored by, for example, mortar, undercuts, mechanical fasteners or, preferably, by combinations thereof. The method comprises casting a working lining within the trough and anchoring the precast shape at the erosion zone. The method includes installing a form in the trough, casting a working lining into the trough, and anchoring the erosion-resistant precast shape at the erosion zone. The form may be removable, and the precast shape may be at least a portion of the form. Conveniently, the form includes undercuts adapted to anchor the precast shape into the trough, and the precast shape includes mortar locks.

Abstract: A dosing chamber is insertable within and removable from the metal holding chamber of a molten metal furnace and is not formed as an integral part of the refractory lining of the molten metal furnace. The dosing chamber includes a chamber shell having a gas inlet port and a molten metal discharge port. The gas inlet port is functionally adapted to sealingly receive a gas stopper tube within the port. With a pressurized inert gas introduced through the gas stopper tube, molten metal contained within the dosing chamber is force out of the discharge port and up and into a metal receiver. The dosing chamber method and apparatus of the present invention is functionally adapted to be insertable within a variety of commercially available furnaces. The dosing chamber method and apparatus of the present invention may also be functionally adapted to be readily removable from the molten metal chamber such that the dosing chamber can be removed and cleaned as such is desired or required.

Abstract: An article and method for its manufacture are described. The article is preferably a ladle used in the manufacture of metals and receives molten metal for further chemical processing in the ladle or for transportation. The ladle is transparent to a wide range of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths which allows the metal to be heated or stirred by induction without heating the ladle itself. The ladle is made of glass fibers and an inorganic cement, and this provides strength along with high temperature resistance. The article is manufactured by winding glass fiber around a mandrel, the glass fiber having an inorganic cement adhered to it. In one technique, the cement is provided on the fiber as an aqueous slurry, and the product is allowed to air cure after winding. In a second technique, the cement is adhered to the fiber by electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: SiC—C/C composite materials having a suitable kinetic coefficient of friction, good corrosion resistance in strongly oxidizing and corrosive environments, good creep resistance and spalling resistance, and high hardness. The materials are hardly oxidized or abraded even when exposed to high temperatures, while maintaining the excellent impact resistance and light weight of C/C composites. Molten metal pumps using the materials are provided from which components do not dissolve into the molten metal even when used in molten metal and have sufficient thermal impact resistance and oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pouring tube such as a submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in a continuous casting machine includes steps of preheating at least one portion of the pouring tube by exposing the pouring tube to intensive radiative heat transfer; and installing the preheated pouring tube into a continuous casting machine. In the preferred embodiment the source of intensive radiative heat transfer is a high intensity infrared heat source that is capable of preheating the pouring tube to a temperature of up to 2000 degrees F. within seven to ten minutes. This compares with conventional gas preheating techniques that typically take over thirty minutes and thus require many steel producers to keep an SEN on constant preheat. By eliminating this necessity, the pouring tube may be prepared for use more quickly and in an environmentally sounder manner than through conventional preheating processes.

Abstract: Refractory wall structure for a blast furnace, in particular for a metallurgical furnace, such as for example a blast furnace with a high process temperature during operation, which wall structure is subjected to a high thermal loading. The wall structure comprises a steel outer wall, a refractory lining consisting of one or more layers of a well heat-conducting material on the inside of the outer wall, and a cooler for cooling the refractory wall structure, whereby the wall structure also comprises a permanent, well heat-conducting metallic filling in a gap in the refractory wall structure, which filling has been molten inside the gap and then after solidifying forms a low heat resistance across the gap.

Abstract: Refractory wall structure, suitable in particular for use in a metallurgical vessel for a continuous production of crude iron in a smelting reduction process under conditions of an extremely high thermal load in a highly abrasive environment of molten slag with a high FeO content, comprising, going from the outside to the inside, (1) a steel jacket; (2) a water-cooled copper wall; (3) water-cooled copper ledges extending towards the inside; (4) a lining of refractory material resting on the ledges.

Abstract: A graphite support leg for positioning an object, such as a pump, in a bath of molten metal. The leg is enclosed in a ceramic sleeve, and an inert material is disposed in a clearance between the leg and the sleeve to protect the leg from the heat of the molten metal.

Abstract: A riser tube for transfer of molten metal therethrough, including a porous ceramic substrate having a hollow cylindrical structure and ceramic impregnant material penetrating into pores of the substrate and plugging at least a portion of the surface pores thereof, to improve gas impermeability of the substrate. According to the present invention, the porous ceramic substrate is immersed in impregnation media containing ceramic particles, the impregnation media is subjected to an elevated pressure such that the media penetrates the pores of the substrate, and the impregnated substrate is then fired, whereby the ceramic particles form a ceramic impregnant material that plugs at least a portion of the surface pores of the substrate.

Abstract: A lid for a melting furnace includes preformed refractory side panels in the form of circular sectors and a center panel in the form of a circular or octagonal closure. The side panels are inclined upward and inward from support provided by a lid ring encircling the lid. The center panel is horizontal. The edges of the panels are according to one embodiment beveled to mutually support one another and contain keyways filled with keys that structurally interconnect the panels. The side panels may include a plurality of blocks with step portions for mutual engagement between a corresponding skewback and the center panel.

Abstract: A nozzle or tube which is useful for pouring molten metal, especially aluminum killed molten steel. The nozzle is formed from a blend of doloma and graphite which is bonded together in a carbonized matrix. Nozzles or tubes made in accordance with this invention have enhanced thermal shock resistance. Furthermore, the nozzles or tubes of this invention resist the formation of aluminum oxide therein when they are used for pouring molten aluminum killed steel. Consequently, these tubes or nozzles can be used in a continuous casting process for a long period of time without having to periodically stop the procedure and change the tubes as they become blocked with aluminum oxide. As a result of the thermal shock resistance, the usual preheating step prior to contacting the nozzle with the molten metal is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The invention is related to a continuous casting nozzle for casting of aluminum killed steel without clogging of the bore of the nozzle. The surface layer of the bore of the continuous casting nozzle contacting with the molten steel is formed of a refractory comprising graphite from 10 to 35 wt % and roseki as the remaining part of the graphite, and the main component of the roseki is pyrophyllite (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.4SiO.sub.2.H.sub.2 O) as mineral component. Further, silicon carbide from 1 to 10 wt % is contained in the refractory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well brick or a tuyere brick for receiving a nozzle brick or a porous brick for injecting gas which is disposed on the bottom of a vessel for molten metal. A well brick is disposed on a bottom of a vessel for molten metal, and comprises a product formed into a shape of a cylinder or a frustum of cone by using an isostatic press. The well brick is made by mixing a raw material comprising aggregate of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 as a main element, 0.3 to 10.0 weight % carbon material, 0.2 to 0.5 weight % metal or metallic powder of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Ca and Si, and 0.1 to 30 weight % Mg and thermosetting resin as a binding material and by forming them.

Abstract: Refractory materials (typically refractory bricks) having the exposed working surface treated to form a silica sand glazed surface for their utilization in iron ore reduction reactors, for example of the moving bed type, fluidized bed type, rotary kilns, or the like, and method and apparatus for treating refractory bricks before installation as well as for treating refractory linings already installed in existing iron ore reduction plants, which produce direct reduced iron (DRI), prereduced iron ores, or the like. Some operational problems, involving adherence and buildup of aggregates from small metallic iron particles on the refractory lining of said reduction reactor, are minimized with a corresponding decrease in operating costs and an increase in the availability of the DRI producing plant.

Abstract: Ladles used for vacuum refining processes, for example a VOD process, are provided with covers to cover openings of ladles. The covers generally consist of refractories, which are required to have excellent resistance to thermal spalling due to heat cycles and not inhibit decarbonization during refining processes of molten steel. The ladle cover comprises a refractory having a carbon content 5 wt % or more. Preferably, a refractory has a carbon content 5 wt % or more is used for a central section of the ladle cover, and a refractory having a carbon content less than 5 wt % is used for peripheral sections of the ladle cover.

Abstract: The procedure for manufacturing fireproof crucibles for steel-processing ladles, in which aluminum deoxidation is carried out for the total quenching of liquid steel, is such that a monolithically hardening fireproof mass with a proportion of silicon dioxide is placed between the inside wall of the ladle and a reusable plug that is installed therein. After the plug has been removed, the ladle is put into use again, at which time a layer that contains alumina builds up on the hot side of the fireproof crucible and a highly sintered layer of greater hardness forms behind this. It is intended that a procedure such as this should simplify the reestablishment of the fireproof lining when the limits of use are reached, in view of the use of a layer that contains alumina and the highly sintered layer located behind this on the inside wall of the crucible.

Abstract: A rigid ceramic refractory base for a single-stack annealing furnace is assembled atop a base support structure utilizing a novel set of cast refractory segments, including a pair of C-shaped inner segments and four arcuate outer segments. Defined between the assembled inner and outer segments is a circular inner seal positioning trough that opens upwardly, and that has a tapered cross section that narrows with depth. A resilient but reinforced inner seal of novel form is installed in the trough utilizing upper and lower blankets of refractory fiber material that sandwich a plurality of elongate refractory fiber modules arranged end-to-end to circumferentially fill the trough.

Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to novel aluminum nitride matrix ceramic composite bodies for use as refractory materials and methods for making the same. The refractory materials are useful in environments which are corrosive, erosive, abrasive and/or which generate thermal shock. Such environments include furnaces, and associated apparatus which house or contact molten masses including, for example, molten metals, molten glasses, etc. The preferred method for making the aluminum nitride matrix ceramic composites comprises a directed oxidation of molten metal.

Abstract: A melting furnace for melting residues from refuse incineration plants, in particular filter dust melting furnaces, contains a furnace substructure and a furnace superstructure lined with different refractive material compositions. The lining in the substructure, the melting region, is a refractory material which, in addition to other metal oxides, contains 10-70% wt. % Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3. The lining in the superstructure, the gas atmosphere region, is a refractory material which contains 80 wt. % or more of MgO and is low in Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 or is virtually Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 -free. A furnace constructed in this manner exhibits long endurance and does not form toxic chromium compounds in the chromium-free gas region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furnace having an inner wall, an outer wall and a heat insulation arranged in between. The heat insulation is foamed up in situ, and hardened, from a mass which contains,per 100 parts by weight of a reactive solid (stone-forming component),40-250 parts by weight of a water-containing hardener which effects the hardening reaction of the reactive solid (stone-forming component) in the alkaline region,40-250 parts by weight of fillers and a blowing agent.The reactive solid used is preferably a reactive solid from the group comprisingI finely dispersed oxide mixture containing amorphous silica and alumina,II a glassy, amorphous electrostatic precipitator ash,III ground calcined bauxite,IV electrostatic precipitator ash from lignite-fired power stations,V undissolved, amorphous SiO.sub.2, especially from an amorphous, disperse-pulverulent, dehydrated or water-containing silica or from high-temperature processes (silica fume), andVI metakaolin.

Abstract: An energy efficient wall panel for use together with other such panels to extend about selected peripheral portions of a thermal treatment chamber of a high temperature industrial furnace or the like includes a frame that supports an array of elongate cast refractory thermal insulating members 1) that extend side by side, 2) that have relatively wide flange portions that extend substantially contiguously to define a rigid, impact resistant inner surface that faces toward a thermal treatment chamber for absorbing, storing and re-radiating impingent heat energy back into the chamber, 3) that have relatively thin outer portions connected to the supporting frame, 4) that have central web portions that provide needed strength and rigidity while, at the same time, permitting only minimal conductive heat transfer therethrough, and 5) that have elongate, non-cast, fiber-type thermal insulating members compressively sandwiched between adjacent pairs of the cast refractory members for enhancing the panel's insulating c

Abstract: A continuous checker column is molded and formed in situ inside a regenerative chamber, thereby eliminating the need for large numbers of individual, preformed checker bricks. A plurality of rigid molding rods or flexible cable rods are passed through, or hang from, a template installed in or above the empty checker chamber portion of a regenerative chamber. The molding rods are sized, shaped, and spaced to correspond substantially to the size, shape and spacing of the openings desired in the checker column. Then, a refractory material is injected into the checker column and allowed to harden. The molding rods are at least partially retracted, leaving the desired openings in the hardened refractory material. The injection and retraction steps can be repeated, as necessary, until the entire checker column has been formed.

Abstract: In the heat treatment in the field of a thermite weld between rail ends, the rail ends and the weld are enclosed within a containment filled with an aluminothermic material mixture. The mixture is ignited and the rail ends and the thermite weld are heat-treated for a given period. After the given period, the aluminothermic reaction products and the containment are removed, and an air quench unit is placed about the weld and rail ends and compressed air is directed at the weld and rail ends for a given time period. After the removal of the air quench unit, the weld is allowed to cool to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A molten steel pouring nozzle which comprises: a nozzle body comprising an alumina-graphite refractory, having, along the axis thereof, a bore through which molten steel flows; and an outer refractory layer arranged on an outside portion of the nozzle body so as to be integral with the nozzle body and to be flush with an outer surface thereof, the outer refractory layer being arranged on a portion of the outside portion of the nozzle body, which portion is in contact, when a lower portion of the molten steel pouring nozzle is immersed into molten steel, with the open air without being immersed into the molten steel, and the outer refractory layer consisting essentially of:______________________________________ alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) from 40 to 75 wt. %, carbon (C) from 10 to 30 wt. %, silica (SiO.sub.2) from 1 to 30 wt. %, silicon carbide (SiC) from 1 to 20 wt. %, and low-melting glass from 1 to 10 wt. %.

Abstract: An insulated door or wall panel assembly utilizes a compressively sandwiched array of bodies of insulation that extend side-by-side to define a substantially contiguous interior surface that can withstand direct exposure to high heat energy, for example by being positioned to extend about peripheral portions of a treatment chamber of a high temperature furnace to cooperate with adjacent furnace structure to minimize loss of heat energy from the treatment chamber. A rigid frame, typically formed from steel, overlies exterior portions of the sandwiched bodies of insulation and is securely connected thereto for positioning and supporting the array, whereby a rugged panel assembly is provided that is well suited for use as a closure to selectively permit access through a furnace wall opening to the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A multi-piece crucible for high temperature applications comprises a tubular side wall member having a lip on the inside surface and a bottom member or members forming a container for containing a melt of a material during a high temperature melt-casting operations. The multi-piece design prevents cracking of the crucible or leakage of the melt from the crucible during the melt-casting operation. The lip of the tubular member supports the bottom member. The contacting surfaces where the lip of the tubular side wall member contacts the bottom member of the multi-piece crucible contains a ceramic sealing material. The ceramic sealing material forms a seal sufficient to prevent the melt of the material from leaking out of the multi-piece crucible during the melt-casting process. The multi-piece crucible is made of a material which is chemically inert to the melt and has structural integrity at the melting point temperature of the melt, or of a material coated with such a material.

Abstract: A non-fibrous ceramic liner for induction furnaces is provided by vertically stackable ring-shaped liner segments made of ceramic material in a light-weight cellular form. The liner segments can each be fabricated as a single unit or from a plurality of arcuate segments joined together by an interlocking mechanism. Also, the liner segments can be formed of a single ceramic material or can be constructed of multiple concentric layers with the layers being of different ceramic materials and/or cellular forms. Thermomechanically damaged liner segments are selectively replaceable in the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system of sized bricks for lining spherical bottoms, especially of metallurgical vessels, wherein the individual sized bricks are defined by six, essentially flat surfaces, namely, the fire-side surface, the cold-side surface, the two lateral surfaces, as well as the inner and outer surfaces, and the said sized bricks are intended for arrangement in concentric rings wherein the sized bricks within each of these rings join each other with their lateral surfaces, and wherein the outer surfaces of the sized bricks of one ring border on the inner surfaces of the sized bricks of the next ring.

Abstract: A retort for a fluidized bed is disclosed having a retort wall including an outer wall segment and an inner wall segment. The inner wall segment includes a plurality of plate segments. A support mechanism is provided for securing the plurality of plate segments to an inner side of the outer wall. The plate segments are disposed spaced from the outer wall. The plate segments are further disposed in sliding overlapping relation to permit independent thermal expansion and contraction of the plate segments.

Abstract: A ladle having a hydrocarbon-free, expendable refractory insulating lining that is chemically compatible with the molten metal to be placed in the ladle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite material for a receptacle for transferring molten metal.It is comprised of a refractory material and a frame chosen in the group comprised of mineral refractory wires and metallic wires.Application to the foundry industry.

Abstract: A barrier layer for prevention of solid fluorides penetration, e.g. NaF, from the interior of an aluminum production cell holding a fluoride-containing melt into a refractory layer intended to provide heat and electrical insulation for the cell. The barrier layer contains CaO, which may be derived from a CaO precursor such as calcite (CaCO.sub.2) by decomposition during cell start-up. Since CaO does not appear to react with sodium fluoride (NaF), and indeed according to thermodynamic calculations seems incapable of doing so at cell operating temperatures, it is effective for preventing the penetration of that compound when the latter is in the solid state. The barrier layer makes it possible to use insulating low cost refractories which are attacked by solid fluorides in the cell wall lining with improvement of the life of such materials.

Abstract: An energy efficient closure system is provided for minimizing heat loss through an elongate, horizontally extending furnace opening that is utilized to admit elongate charges of material, to the interior of a furnace. The system utilizes a plurality of depending, individually mounted, independently pivoted, inwardly curved, insulated door components that are arranged in a side-by-side array and that are biased by gravity so as to normally close the furnace opening. In preferred practice, the system also utilizes a curtain of insulation that depends from a water-cooled support pipe that extends horizontally through the upper part of the door opening, with the curtain being formed by a plurality of depending bats of insulation arranged in a substantially contiguous, side-by-side array.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alkali oxide free low density refractory material especially adapted for use as a disposable liner material for molten metal containing vessels. This material includes about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent of a stiffening agent, about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent of a set retarding agent, about 0.1 to 6 weight percent of density reducing materials, about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of a plasticizer, up to about 2 weight percent of a secondary binder, and the balance of a refractory aggregate which is preferably MgO. The stiffening agent and set retarding agent are used in substantially the same amounts to provide the disclosed refractory material with increased resistance to slumping while, at the same time, allowing spraying apparatus residence times of up to 30-40 minutes without clogging. The composition includes less than about 0.

Abstract: A lightweight ladle cover employing ceramic fiber mats in modules. The modules are formed by having the generally rectilinear mat folded into five adjacent sections, the first of which depends vertically toward the "hot" side of the cover but is sandwiched between the second, third and fourth sections which form a vertical, horizontal ("hot" side) and vertical U-shape configuration about the first section. The last section is folded to extend horizontally to overlay part of the next module. The modules are anchored to an expanded metal wall at the "cold" side of the cover by an anchoring system which employs flat bars with spaced apart threaded studs welded to one flat side of the bar. In assembly, the studs are pierced through the mat at the junction of the first and second sections and then passed through openings in the expanded metal wall and secured by a washer and nut arrangement. The modules are then held by two bar-stud assemblies.

Abstract: A lightweight ladle cover employing ceramic fiber mats in modules. The modules are formed by having the generally rectilinear mat folded into five adjacent sections, the first of which depends vertically toward the "hot" side of the cover but is sandwiched between the second, third and fourth sections which form a vertical, horizontal ("hot" side) and vertical U-shape configuration about the first section. The last section is folded to extend horizontally to overlay part of the next module. The modules are anchored to an expanded metal wall at the "cold" side of the cover by an anchoring system which employs flat bars with spaced apart threaded studs welded to one flat side of the bar. In assembly, the studs are pierced through the mat at the junction of the first and second sections and then passed through openings in the expanded metal wall and secured by a washer and nut arrangement. The modules are then held by two bar-stud assemblies.

Abstract: A refractory material containing a synthetic dolomite aggregate having a calcium carbonate coating on the surface thereof and further containing magnesia, a binder, a plasticizer, an organic fiber homogenizer, a bond stabilizer, and a dispersant; and a method of forming a protective refractory surface on the lining of a tundish, steel ladle and the like by spraying, gunning or troweling the surface coated aggregate-containing refractory material thereon are disclosed. This material offers the multiple advantages of improving resistance to slaking, reducing alumina inclusions in the steel, and reducing clogging of the tundish nozzle.

Abstract: A lip closure apparatus includes a plurality of arcuate lip closure segments interfitted into a continuous ring and disposed on the top end of a stack of refractory bricks mounted in a metallurgical vessel. At least one metal reinforcement grid is disposed within each lip closure segment at a predetermined angle with respect to the normal fracture planes of each closure segment to resist fracture of the lip closure segment. Preferably, the grid is oriented substantially perpendicular to the normal fracture planes of the lip closure segments. A quantity of crushable material is disposed between the outer side surface of each lip closure segment and a flange extending at an angle from the side wall over the open top end of the vessel to maintain the lip closure segments in a tight fit on top of the lining of refractory bricks.

Abstract: An iron runner for tapping molten crude iron from a blast furnace is proposed, comprising at least a wear lining which forms a boundary carrying the iron during operation and a permanent lining in which the wear lining is contained, an outer boundary and at least an outer lining with a high coefficient of thermal conductivity which is provided between the outer boundary and the permanent lining, wherein the outer lining is provided with a thickening in the direction of the wear lining, which thickening is applied at the level of the inerface-layer being present during operation between the iron being carried through the runner and a slag layer floating on the iron.

Abstract: An improved molten metal containment vessel is disclosed in which wetting of the vessel's inner wall surfaces by molten metal is inhibited by coating at least the inner surfaces of the containment vessel with one or more rare earth oxysulfide or rare earth sulfide compounds to inhibit wetting and or adherence by the molten metal to the surfaces of the containment vessel.

Abstract: Ladle covers are insulated with refractory ceramic fiber modules. An outer portion of a lower part of the cover conforming to the shape of the ladle rim is insulated with trapezoidal modules. A central portion beneath the cover within the outer portion is insulated with rectangular modules, which may be of less thickness than the trapezoidal modules.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fireproof ceramic terminal brick for a tapping system in particular in steel converters or electric furnaces composed of several fireproof ceramic founder's bricks arranged in a row, together enclosing a passage opening for the steel smelt, thereby characterized in that the terminal brick is formed in two pieces vertical to the direction of flow of the steel smelt and the lower section in the direction of flow of the smelt is formed as a cylindrical body that can be pressed firmly against the upper section of the terminal brick, arranged above it, in such a way as to seal but remaining detachable from it.